Stripe vs PayPal: Fees ComparedSide-by-Side Fee Comparison for Any Transaction Amount
Enter an amount to see exactly how Stripe and PayPal fees compare — including the net payout, effective rate, and which processor saves you more money.
Compare Stripe and PayPal Fees
Stripe vs PayPal Fee Breakdown at Common Amounts
The easiest way to compare is with real numbers. Here's how Stripe and PayPal fees stack up at common US transaction amounts:
| Amount | Stripe Fee | PayPal Fee | You Save with Stripe |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.59 | $0.84 | $0.25 |
| $25 | $1.03 | $1.36 | $0.33 |
| $50 | $1.75 | $2.24 | $0.49 |
| $100 | $3.20 | $3.98 | $0.78 |
| $250 | $7.55 | $9.21 | $1.66 |
| $500 | $14.80 | $17.94 | $3.14 |
| $1,000 | $29.30 | $35.39 | $6.09 |
Beyond Fees: What Else to Consider
Transaction fees are the most visible cost, but they're not the only factor in choosing a payment processor. Here's what else matters:
Conversion rates: PayPal's brand recognition can increase checkout completion by 10–30%. If adding PayPal as a payment option converts even a few percent more customers, the extra revenue may outweigh the higher fees. Many merchants report that PayPal customers have higher average order values because they trust the checkout.
Developer experience: Stripe is widely regarded as having the best API documentation and developer tools in the payments industry. If your team builds custom checkout flows, Stripe's Elements, webhooks, and dashboard are significantly easier to work with. PayPal's developer experience has improved but still lags behind.
Dispute handling: Stripe charges $15 per dispute and refunds it if you win. PayPal charges $20 and keeps it regardless. Stripe Radar's machine learning fraud prevention is included free and can reduce dispute rates by catching fraudulent transactions before they complete.
Regional Differences: Where the Comparison Changes
The US comparison is straightforward — Stripe wins on every metric. But in other regions, the gap narrows or shifts:
- European Economic Area: Stripe charges 1.4% + €0.25, PayPal charges 1.99% + €0.35. Stripe is still cheaper, and both rates are much lower than US rates.
- United Kingdom: Stripe charges 1.4% + 20p, PayPal charges 1.99% + 29p. Same pattern — Stripe is cheaper at all amounts.
- Australia: Stripe charges 1.75% + A$0.30, PayPal charges 2.60% + A$0.30. With identical fixed fees, Stripe is cheaper at every amount by exactly the percentage difference.
- Southeast Asia: Rates are higher for both processors. In Singapore, Stripe charges 3.4% + S$0.50 and PayPal charges 3.9% + S$0.50. The gap is smaller but Stripe still leads.
Select your currency in the calculator above to see the exact comparison for your region. In every market we track, Stripe's fees are equal to or lower than PayPal's.
Dive Deeper Into Each Processor
See detailed fee breakdowns, tips, and regional rates for each processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Stripe or PayPal?
In the US, Stripe is cheaper at every transaction amount. Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 versus PayPal's 3.49% + $0.49. On a $100 transaction, Stripe saves you $0.78. In other regions, the comparison varies — use our calculator with your currency to check.
Should I use Stripe and PayPal together?
Yes, offering both is the recommended approach. Use Stripe as your primary processor for lower fees, and offer PayPal as a checkout option. Studies show that offering PayPal as a payment option can increase conversion rates by 10–30% because many customers trust and prefer PayPal.
Is Stripe better than PayPal for small businesses?
For most small businesses, Stripe offers lower fees and superior developer tools. However, PayPal is easier to set up without technical expertise and has stronger consumer brand recognition. If your customers frequently ask for PayPal, offering it alongside Stripe is worthwhile despite the higher cost.
How do Stripe and PayPal fees compare in Europe?
In the EU, Stripe charges 1.4% + €0.25 and PayPal charges 1.99% + €0.35. Stripe is cheaper at all amounts in Europe. Both rates are significantly lower than US rates due to EU interchange fee regulations.
Which processor has better chargeback protection?
Stripe charges $15 per dispute and refunds the fee if you win. PayPal charges $20 per dispute and does not refund the fee regardless of outcome. Stripe also offers Radar, a machine learning fraud prevention tool, included at no extra cost on standard accounts.
Can I switch from PayPal to Stripe easily?
Yes. Stripe and PayPal serve the same function, so switching is straightforward. You'll need to integrate Stripe's checkout (Stripe Elements or Checkout Sessions) into your site. Customer payment data cannot be migrated between processors, so existing subscriptions would need to be re-created.
Do Stripe and PayPal both support subscriptions?
Yes. Stripe Billing is a purpose-built subscription platform with features like proration, trials, and metered billing. PayPal also supports recurring payments through its Subscriptions API. Stripe is generally considered more flexible and developer-friendly for subscription management.
Which is better for international sales?
Stripe is generally cheaper for international transactions. Stripe adds 1.5% for international cards + 1% for currency conversion. PayPal adds 1.5% cross-border + a 3–4% currency conversion spread. For a $100 international payment with conversion, Stripe costs about $5.40 total vs PayPal's roughly $8.50.
Assumptions & methodology
- All rates shown are standard published domestic card rates for online payments.
- International card surcharges (+1–2%) and currency conversion fees are not included.
- Actual fees may differ based on negotiated volume discounts, business type, or plan.
- We are not affiliated with Stripe, PayPal, or any payment processor.
- Always verify current rates on the official Stripe and PayPal pricing pages.
Last updated: February 15, 2026